I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! producers have revealed how the camp has been adapted this year for Ade Adepitan, the presenter and former Paralympian who is making history as the show's first wheelchair user.
Ade, who contracted polio as a baby, uses both a wheelchair and crutches. He met with producers earlier this year to discuss how the camp would need to be adapted for him.
Camp modifications revealed
The Australian camp has been specially modified to include widened paths, strengthened handrails, wheelchair parking spaces, crutch holders and a stairlift for the jungle shower. The changes also include altered steps to make it easier for him to move around the camp on crutches, including between levels.
Ade will have the use of three wheelchairs in and around camp, as well as three pairs of crutches. There will be another wheelchair for trials and an electric wheelchair that can handle difficult terrains.
Bushtucker trials participation
Bosses revealed that Ade will be able to take part in the majority of the bushtucker trials, including the Celebrity Cyclone in the semi-final, should he make it that far. One producer said: "All I will say is that if he makes it that far…he will be doing the Celebrity Cyclone. Without giving anything away, from the moment you see him on screen, you will be impressed."
For trials, extra handles and other equipment have been added where necessary to ensure Ade doesn't have to be exempt from challenges. The producer said: "There are about 23 trials, and he can do the majority of them, which I think is a real achievement."
Ade's reaction to making history
Ade spoke about how he felt making history as the first wheelchair user on the show. He said: "Words like 'honour' and 'privilege' are ones I feel, but I don't think they sum it up enough. For me, this is a moment in time. Even if I go out in the first week, I will always be remembered as the person in a wheelchair."
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! returns to ITV1 and ITVX on Monday, 16 November, at 9pm.
